Choice Gold Hospitality Award

Hotels that achieve the prestigious Gold Award represent the top 10% of hotels within each Choice brand. The awards are based on a ranking system that measures guest satisfaction, product quality, room condition and cleanliness, and staff service. These properties have a proven track record of providing exceptional guest service and facilities.

Green Hotel

Supports Green Practices

"Supports Green Initiatives" designates a hotel's participation in an optional environmental program that includes the use of energy-efficient lighting, guestroom towel/linen re-use, and on-premise recycling. "Supports Green Initiatives" does not represent an official certification of any kind.

Outdoor Activities

Leucadia Surf School offers surfing lessons for all ages, whether you would like a private lesson or group lesson. The surfboard and wetsuit are included when you take your lesson. However, one has to know how to swim and has to be in reasonably good physical shape in order to take the lesson.

The largest North American display of bamboo serves as a backdrop for plants of every kind including exotic tropicals, indigenous plants and unusual specimens that flourish in this mild coastal climate allowing for a 365-day growing season. Volunteers maintain this world-renowned, 30-acre botanical garden only 30 miles north of San Diego. A botanical library is onsite for study and research. Tours are free Saturdays at 10a, group tours are available, and a gift shop and nursery are both on the grounds.

This par-72 golf course spanning 6,812 yards, is not only popular for being one of the few championship golf courses in the San Diego area, but it is also known for spectacular ocean views right from the course! It offers a full-service golf shop, snack bar, rental clubs and club repair. The facility is available for groups and tournaments. In addition, a golf school (one to three-day classes) and private lessons are offered on the premises. Green fees are $44 Monday-Thursday; USD50 Friday; USD63 Saturday-Sunday.

As the only golf course in San Diego designed by Arnold Palmer, this 18-hole course is considered to be one of the best in the country. In fact, Palmer himself still plays here on occasion. The most remarkable hole is the 18th, a par four requiring you to master both the rock and waterscape that are part of the approach. Though the public can play through on the course, only guests staying at the resort may use the driving range. Golfers are advised to make reservations seven days in advance at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort Golf Club.

It's said that the best thing about playing at Omni La Costa is that you can measure your performance against the best players in the world. For golfers of all abilities, this course is a dream come true. The two PGA Championship 18-hole courses are both beautiful, traditional in design and home to the World Golf Championships. At Omni La Costa, you can experience the courses which have challenged the PGA Tour's finest for over thirty years. Of course, if you'd like to fine-tune your game, the place also has a school to offer professional assistance.

It's said that the best thing about playing Omni La Costa is that you can measure your performance against the best players in the world. For golfers of all abilities, this course is a dream come true. The two PGA Championship 18-hole courses are both beautiful, traditional in design and home of the World Golf Championships. At Omni La Costa, you can experience the courses which have challenged the PGA Tour's finest for over thirty years. If you'd like to fine-tune your game, the place also has a school to offer professional assistance for the same.

The city of Carlsbad is not only home to Legoland and famous beaches, but also boasts top-notch city parks. Poinsettia Park has a variety of options for fun. The park hosts picnic tables and a children's playground. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of the baseball diamond, basketball courts, lighted tennis courts or running trails. Best of all, the city maintains top conditions at the park. Guests can enjoy well-kept grounds and clean facilities.

For a family trip to the beach, Tide Beach Park is the ideal place. This spot is sort of an activity ground for everyone. Tame activities include trekking along the public stairs to a scenic view, observing reefs and tide pools. Meanwhile, active participants may enjoy surfing, swimming and snorkeling. The park offers shower and picnic facilities as well. Lifeguard services are provided during the summer months only so guests are advised to exercise caution.

Based at McClellan Palomar Airport, on the coast in San Diego North County, flights include gentle or thrilling Open Cockpit Biplane Rides for 1 or 2 passengers, authentic you-fly-it aerial dogfights in real aircraft (a Travel Channel 1 Pick for their recent Thrills & Chills series), loops and rolls in a WWII North American SNJ-4, inspirational Cadet 1st Flights, and a romantic fly/dine experience in cooperation with the Four Seasons Vivace restaurant. Companies including Chrysler, Microsoft, Pfizer and many others have offered their unique flights and hangar parties as rewards their high fliers. No pilot's license or experience required for any flight. Available 7 days a week, year-round in Carlsbad, California (30 minutes north of downtown San Diego, 60 minutes south of Disneyland). See their website for further information. It is open daily from Tuesday to Sunday at 11a.

Just 30 miles north of San Diego, you can spend an entire day at Legoland California living in the land of imagination experiencing more than 40 fun-filled rides, adventures and shows. 'Activity' is the word for the day with 128 acres of displays including MiniLand where replicas of famous sites (Hollywood Bowl, Washington, D.C.) are created from Legos. In the Imagination Zone, children under six can play with Duplos to their hearts' content. Kids over six can check out the 'Build & Test' center. Themed areas include Castle Hill and Pirate Shores.

Whether you prefer wet or dry land, this park has countless activities. Water sports abound at this beach site, featuring surfing, swimming and surf fishing. Try surfing lessons in the summer months. For those who prefer to stay on dry ground, take advantage of the basketball court, picnic facilities and campfire rings. With all of this activity, safety is a priority at this location. Lifeguards are on duty year round. In addition, a junior lifeguard program is offered during the summer. Rest rooms and shower facilities are also available.

Museum Of Making Music museum offers a nostalgic look back at the last 100 years of music making in America. You will stroll through displays featuring music of different eras, view historic photographs—many of them autographed by well-known musical talents, and see a collection of more than 450 musical instruments. At the end of the tour, you will have the opportunity to make your own music on scores of musical instruments.